APS Cheating Could Cost Thousands

Atlanta schools embroiled in a cheating scandal may have to pay back up to $260,000 in federal money for high-performing, low-income schools.

Matt Cardoza, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Education, said Wednesday that state officials are trying to determine whether any of the 44 schools accused of cheating on 2009 standardized tests will have to return money.

The schools received up to $11,772 a year for their performance on federal benchmarks, which are measured in part with scores on state standardized tests. Cardoza said those scores may be tossed out

He said the funding can be spent on tutoring programs, classroom supplies and bonuses for educators.

A spokesman for the Atlanta school district did not immediately return a request for comment.